We're all fat: CDC Releases updated state obesity ratings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the latest rankings in obesity based on state. The CDC used a telephone based survey called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Individuals were asked for their weight and height. For the first time results from the survey included cell phone only households. The results were no surprise. Sadly, one third of Americans are still obese, approximately 35.7%.

Mississippi had the highest rate obesity rate at 34.9%. In general southern states tend to have an obesity rate of more than 30%. These obesity rates often correspond with socioeconomic status and the fatty foods traditional to the south. After Mississippi, the top obese states were Michigan, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Alabama. States considered having ‘very high’ obesity rates went from 9 to 12.

Colorado was the thinnest state, with an obesity rate of only 20.7%. This is no surprise considering that Colorado has had a reputation of having the ideal environment for athletic people and runners. From 2005 to 2009 Colorado had been able to keep their obesity rate below 20%. But now that isn’t the case for any state in the US. The states have failed to meet the goal of an obesity rate 15% or lower for the Healthy People 2010 initiative. Washington DC, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington DC were closely behind Colorado, all with an obesity rate lower than 25%.

Several diseases can result from obesity, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. These medical issues have cost the nation a fortune. According to the CDC’s reports from 2008, $147 billion was spent on medical costs related to obesity. The report also revealed that medical expenses for the obese are about $1,429 more than a person of normal weight.